Versatility

Functionality with emotional appeal

The interactive enjoyment offered to Saab owners extends beyond the pure driving experience to include everyday functionality. Put simply, that means Saab engineers and designers are concerned with providing elegant solutions so that Saab owners can enjoy the process and execution of a function, as well as its direct benefits.

At Saab, this philosophy is called 'emotional functionality'. It brings an extra dimension to the provision of what may be a relatively straightforward operation. In this way there can be an unexpected bonus, a 'smile factor' brought about by design elegance that stops well short of gimmickry.

The innovative CargoWing for the Saab 9-3 Convertible - which uses an adaptable trunk lid rear spoiler to provide unlikely ski stowage - is a good example. So, too, is the way instrument illumination can be restricted by the Saab Night Panel function to ease the strain of night driving; or the way the windshield wipers are programmed to provide an extra, delayed sweep in wash/wipe mode to remove any residual streaks. And in the Saab 9-5 range, the highly-geared action of a swiveling cup-holder as emerges and retracts from the front fascia offers a level of enjoyment, as well as pure functionality.

The Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept showcases a number of such 'Saabish' features, in this instance focused on satisfying the varied lifestyle and leisure needs of potential owners:

'Hidden' Bike Carrier
The tailgate can be opened and closed while carrying two bicycles mounted in upright positions (the display car demonstrates a fixing for one bicycle). Neatly integrated lugs, just below the rear screen on the tailgate, combine with swiveling points on the trailing edge of the roof to accommodate mounting brackets for the bikes, once the front wheels are removed (which are then stowed inside on storage brackets). This is a far more user-friendly carrying solution than roof mounting and produces less aerodynamic drag.

Hidden rear floor
An extra load-carrying dimension is offered by an additional compartment under the rear cargo deck, which can be glimpsed through the translucent floor. An access hatch springs open on gas struts to reveal a useful 120 liters of extra luggage space. This area can stow sports equipment, such as roller blades, or wet and muddy items so they are kept separate from the rest of the trunk.

Integrated roof carrier
Just like its 9-3X forebear, the 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept offers load carrying on the roof without the need for longitudinal roof bars. Four flush-mounted fixing points can accept a number of roof boxes and adaptors for safe and reliable stowage. Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept owners could, for example, safely carry two mountain bikes and a large roof box at the same time.

Powered tailgate
The hydraulically-powered tailgate is remotely operated for ease of use and extends down to floor level for easy loading. It remains fully operational when being used as a bike carrier.